If some Windows functions aren't working or Windows crashes, use the System File Checker to scan Windows and restore your files. Though the steps below might look complicated at first glance, just follow them in order, step-by-step, and we’ll try to get you back on track.

Use this app to try to recover lost files that have been deleted from your local storage device (including internal drives, external drives, and USB devices) and can’t be restored from the Recycle Bin. Recovery on cloud storage and network file shares is not supported.

If you're looking for product keys for Office, apps, games, and more, see Find your Microsoft downloads and product keys. Learn how to find a Windows product key for activation, and when you'll use a digital license instead.

Chat or receive a call back from a technical support expert: If you have a Microsoft 365 Basic, Microsoft 365 Personal, or Microsoft 365 Family subscription, get questions answered from anywhere via chat or request to receive a call back from one of our technical support experts.

If you can't sign in to your Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live, or MSN email account, or you're not sure how to sign in or sign out, here are some solutions.

You can start a scan for malware any time you like. Note: Microsoft Defender currently offers anti-malware on Windows, Android, and macOS. From the Microsoft Defender dashboard. If you want a deeper scan, instead of selecting Quick scan in step 3, select Scan options and choose the type of scan you want.

Learn how to redeem a gift card, code, or Office product key and spend your balance at Microsoft Store online, on Windows, or Xbox.

Installation media, such as a USB flash drive, can be used to install a new copy of Windows, perform a clean installation of Windows, or reinstall Windows. To create installation media, go to the software download website, where step-by-step instructions can be found.

Hotmail is now Outlook.com. Learn how to sign in to access your Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live, or MSN email account.

If your device isn’t up to date or needs attention, PC Health Check will let you know. Use this section of PC Health Check to get info on how your batteries are performing compared to their original capacity for devices with one or two batteries.